NJ Wing Squadrons Honor Memorial Day Across the State
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (June 16, 2026) — Civil Air Patrol squadrons throughout the New Jersey Wing commemorated Memorial Day with a strong community presence, honoring fallen service members through parades, ceremonies and remembrance events across the state.
The Jersey City Composite Squadron marched in the annual Bayonne Memorial Day Parade alongside the VFW Post 266 Veterans Museum, providing a full color guard detail. Cadets carried the American, POW/MIA, squadron and organizational colors. Participants included Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Pierre-Louis, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jayden Johnson, Cadet Staff Sgt. Joaquin Rodriguez, Cadet Capt. Riddhi Patel, Cadet 2nd Lt. Alec Dickson, Cadet Technical Sgt. Brandon Rodriguez and Cadet Senior Airman Maya Nowakowski.
Teterboro Composite Squadron participated in the Nutley Memorial Day Parade for the 19th consecutive year, continuing a longstanding tradition of community service and remembrance.
Walter M. Schirra Composite Squadron partnered with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post for Memorial Day flag planting at Mayrest Cemetery in Mahwah. Cadets, senior members, alumni and families placed flags at veterans’ gravesites to ensure each service member was individually honored.
Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Composite Squadron presented the colors during a Memorial Day observance at Westlake Country Club. The color guard included Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Amelia Kozachek, Cadet Lt. Col. Nathaniel Hawkins, Cadet 2nd Lt. Sophia Loosa and Cadet Staff Sgt. Ava Costanzo. The ceremony honored fallen service members before an audience of veterans and community members.
Twin Pine Composite Squadron participated in the Ewing Township Memorial Day ceremony, which included the final roll call and memorial service for retired Brig. Gen. Robert S. Dutko Sr. Lt. Dylan Rutkowski performed “Taps,” while Lt. Col. Yeshika Bhansali assisted Mayor Bert Steinmann with the memorial wreath presentation.
Allentown Composite Squadron marched in the Allentown Memorial Day Parade carrying photographs of local veterans. The event concluded with a flag-folding ceremony and remarks on the grounds of the local school.
Cumberland Composite Squadron participated in the Elmer Memorial Day Parade, marking the squadron’s first appearance in the annual community event.
Air Victory Composite Squadron supported Memorial Day observances in Southampton and Medford, demonstrating broad community engagement across multiple ceremonies.
Together, these activities reflect the New Jersey Wing’s continued commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while strengthening ties with the communities they serve.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
